Where to buy?

My husband and I retired to Gran Alacant last November. We love it here and would recommend it to anyone.

Bobbie

Get a lawyer, do not simply leave it up to Estate Agent as they are also working for the seller.  Your lawyer will check everything from debts on house to arrangeing your NIE, opening bank account and transfering electricty, water and factor (if you are on an urbanisation).  They will lead you through the whole process and give you both English and Spanish copies of legal work on the house.  Many also offer a yearly service agreement for about 300-400 Euros to help with problems, tax issues, etc.  Worthwhile thinking about especially for the first year,   It is also important to look at having a will made according to the law of your country (we are Scottish) as Spanish law of inheritance is different to ours.  It is not nearly as expensive as a UK lawyer and in our experience much nicer process.  We were kept up to date and involved in everything.  Final signing for our house was done at the Notaries Office and all parties sat down together with the house keys in the middle of the table and when it was all explained and everything signed we were handed our keys with good wishes from all concerned.  Much nicer than thel way it is done in UK.  From Estate agents to doctors (if you or one of you is over 65, then with an SD1 form from UK, you both have same health care as a Spanish citizen - we have only good things to say about the health service - hospital appointments in under a month organised directly by GP's Office)  we have found 99% of people helpful and friendly -  one grumpy policeman at NIE office - thousands of other helpful ones though.  Hope you find you dream house.

I dont live in Gata, but when we where buying a plumber advised us to avoid Gata as alot of the properties suffered from damp. We found Calpe to be a lovely town because it has buses and trains, a beautiful beach and good cafes open all year round.

Hazel

just another word of advice, when moving to spain permanantly, if you dont take out Residensia you need to pay Non Residance  Tax

- no one tells you this, it is based on the rateable value of your property.

I would recommend Pinar de Campoverde, I've bought a property there, 6 miles inland but a straight line down to the coast, you would need a car though.beautiful well kept clean place.

JW65 I would like to thank all who replied to my notice, I think I'm going to rent for 3 months first and find a property based on  1st hand experiences. John & Sue

This is the best idea. Enjoy your retirement.

Hazel

This is the best idea. Enjoy your retirement.

Hazel

This is the best idea. Enjoy your retirement.

Hazel